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Governor Kay Ivey announced the latest round of funding for broadband expansion across Alabama on Tuesday.
The money will come from the Capital Projects Fund program, supported by the state’s share of the federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. The Capital Projects Fund grants will total nearly $42 million and cover 2,347 miles throughout 23 counties.
This is one of a few funds focused on expanding high-speed internet services to Alabamians in rural areas. These funds will expand broadband to 15,000 households and businesses in the state that currently do not have access to high-speed internet.
The grant will focus specifically on “last-mile” projects which involve the final step of installing high-speed internet, connecting the network directly to homes, businesses, and community places like schools and libraries. After this installation, people and organizations can choose to sign up for internet service with the provider.
“Upon completion of these projects, more children will have better learning opportunities, more businesses will have greater opportunities to compete worldwide, and emergency response departments and medical clinics will be able to offer improved services,” Ivey said in a statement.
The Alabama Digital Expansion Division has spearheaded the broadband expansion in recent years and continues to work to connect Alabama. The ADED, which is part of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, was created in 2021 when Gov. Kay Ivey signed the Connect Alabama Act.
BroadbandNow’s index for internet availability considers coverage, speed, and access across states to determine annual rankings. In 2019, Alabama was ranked 47th in the U.S. for broadband connectivity on BroadbandNow’s list. By 2024, it has improved to 24th place
The last round of grants awarded in the Capital Projects Fund for broadband accessibility totaled $148.3 million, reaching more than two-thirds of the state’s 67 counties. The grants awarded on Tuesday are from the remaining funds.
